Seafarer safety tops Modi–Trump talks at G7 as leaders discuss Iran deal and US-India ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised concerns about seafarer safety during talks with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday. Modi asked that protection of civilians at sea stay a top priority. This was linked to Washingtons peace deal with Iran. The leaders also discussed steps to ease strain in India-US ties after a difficult year.

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The meeting took place on the sidelines of the G7 summit in a French commune. It came as anger grew in India over the deaths of three Indian crew members. The sailors were on a merchant ship hit during American military strikes in the Gulf of Oman. Trump said the US was aware of the deaths.

India-US ties and trade deal talks

After the meeting, Modi said both leaders reviewed steady gains in trade and other areas. Modi listed energy, defence, technology, and people-to-people links. Trump called India a key partner. Trump also said both sides were close to a trade agreement. Trump did not offer any timeline for final talks.

Trump also addressed India-US defence cooperation during media remarks. Trump said the US would support India if India faced an attack. "I think its a great relationship. I can tell you this – without having a contract, we dont have a contract – but if they were attacked, we would be there to help them,\" Trump said. Trump also said plans existed to travel to India.

Seafarers safety in Strait of Hormuz

Modi linked maritime safety to stability in West Asia and global trade routes. Modi said keeping the Strait of Hormuz open mattered for the world economy. Modi also stressed freedom of navigation for shipping. Modi urged that the safety and security of civilians remain central, including those working at sea.

\"I commend you for your leadership on the progress that has been made in the efforts to restore peace in West Asia. Thanks to your efforts, Mr President, new hope for peace and stability in the region has been kindled and we hope that this will lead to a long-standing peace in the region,\" Modi said.

\"You and I agree that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is vital for the global economy. India has consistently emphasised the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation and we should work together and place a particular emphasis on that,\" Modi said.

Modi said hundreds of thousands of Indian seafarers worked across key maritime zones. Modi highlighted routes connected to the Strait of Hormuz. Modi said their role supported global commerce. Modi also said India viewed their protection as essential. Modi said the US should give this issue top priority during the Iran peace deal.

\"You are aware that in the world of maritime trade, hundreds of thousands of Indian seafarers are working and performing their duties across global maritime trade routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, and making a huge contribution to the progress of the world and their safety is of utmost importance to us,\" Modi said.

\"Mr President, you have made tremendous efforts towards reaching this understanding and this agreement and Im confident that this agreement will ensure the security of seafarers and this issue will receive highest priority,\" Modi said.

India-US ties under strain and efforts to repair

The talks took place as both capitals tried to mend relations in recent months. Ties worsened after Washington imposed punitive tariffs on India. Friction also followed Trumps claims about easing the India–Pakistan military clashes of May 2025. Indian officials rejected those claims. New Delhi said talks between India and Pakistan led to the halt.

Other issues also added pressure on the relationship. Washingtons new immigration policy and a higher H1B visa fee were cited as factors. Trump was asked about Indian professionals facing problems due to the H1B issue. Trump said the US have had a tremendous relationship with India in terms of employment. Both sides still signalled work on a mutually beneficial trade deal.

Relations faced renewed strain last week after fresh deaths at sea. Three Indian sailors were killed after US military attacks on three merchant vessels. These strikes were reported off the coast of Oman. Asked about the deaths, Trump said: \"I heard about that the deaths, its a rough profession, no question about it,\" and added, \"We will work together.\"

Trump also praised Modi in televised comments during the meeting. \"I just want to say hes been my friend for a long time now and weve always had a great relationship and its great to be with you,\" Trump said. Trump said India mattered in global affairs. \"As long as Im president, they have a great friend in the White House,\" Trump said.

Trump also described Modis negotiating style while discussing the trade talks. \"Hes a very tough negotiator, one of the toughest, actually. So you look at this man, Ill give you a lesson. Hes the most beautiful-looking man. He looks so nice, hes like an angel. But actually, hes tough,\" Trump said. \"People say he is such a nice man. I said hes very, very tough. Hes a tough negotiator and he loves the Indian people, but he also loves the US,\" Trump added.

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said the discussions covered several priorities. \"The two leaders held substantive talks on trade, regional security, and deepening economic partnership on the sidelines of the G7 Summit,\" Sergio Gor said. Modi attended the G7 after India was invited as a guest country. The bloc includes Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, plus the European Union.

The G7 is used by members to coordinate on major economic and geopolitical issues. Modi reached France for the summit after a two-day visit to Slovakia. The Modi-Trump meeting focused on repairing ties and advancing cooperation. It also placed seafarer safety at the centre of discussions linked to the Strait of Hormuz and West Asia stability.

With inputs from PTI